Terror attack survivor thanks Trump
Christchurch
A survivor of the Christchurch mosque attacks has thanked United States President Donald Trump in a meeting at the White House.
Farid Ahmed, whose wife Husna was killed on March 15, joined a meeting of survivors of religious persecution in Washington DC.
After Trump’s introduction, Ahmed asked the president if he could say a few words.
‘‘Mr President, thank you from New Zealand,’’ Ahmed said.
‘‘Thank you for your leadership, standing up for humanity, standing up for religious groups and their rights and thank you for supporting us after the Christchurch tragedy.
‘‘God bless you, and God bless United States.’’
Trump thanked Ahmed and said: ‘‘You went through a lot.
‘‘I know all about what happened and that was a terrible situation, thank you very much for being here . . . appreciate it.’’ The pair then shook hands. Ahmed was invited to Washington as part of the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, an event hosted by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The US embassy in New Zealand and the Department of State funded Ahmed’s travel for the event. The embassy had been touch with the local Muslim leaders via the Christchurch City Council.
An embassy spokeswoman said Ahmed was invited to represent ‘‘his country, his religion, and for the powerful and memorable message that he delivered to the world after losing his wife and friends to religiously motivated terrorism in Christchurch’’.
‘‘In the face of unimaginable tragedy, Mr Ahmed chose love over hate, and has served as an inspiration and symbol of strength and resilience for all who confront religious persecution and intolerance around the world,’’ the spokeswoman said.
Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (Fianz) spokesman Dr Anwar Ghani said Ahmed was a positive man and his comments reflected that.
‘‘We are about creating goodwill and a sense of co-operation and improving understanding about people of different colour and faith and cultures,’’ he said.
‘‘In that context the visit will be a positive one and hopefully it will be positive for all parties, including the president as well.’’
Trump has in the past suggested that mosques and Muslims should be tracked; that Muslims should banned from the US; and claimed that ‘‘Islam hates us’’.
This week, United States lawmakers voted to condemn Trump’s ‘‘racist comments’’ against four congresswomen of colour.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke to Trump by phone shortly after the Christchurch attacks in March.
She said he passed on his condolences, and asked if there was any help the US could provide.
‘‘He asked what offer of support the United States could provide.
‘‘My message was: Sympathy and love for all Muslim communities,’’ Ardern said.